Habitat volunteers find joy in working on logistics

Mar. 10, 2014

Jane and Rick Mautz, of Fresno, have volunteered with Coshocton County Habitat for Humanity since 2006 when Jane retired. She enjoys woodworking and habitat seemed a perfect fit and her husband, Rick, joined her in volunteering. Jane and Rick tape off the cafeteria at the Coshocton County Career Center for vendor booths for the past weekend's Habitat for Humanity Home and Lifestyle Show. / Julie Ames/Tribune

Written by

Elizabeth Dickson

Staff Writer

Jane and Rick Mautz, of Fresno, have volunteered with Coshocton County Habitat for Humanity since 2006 when Jane retired. She enjoys woodworking and habitat seemed a perfect fit and her husband, Rick, joined her in volunteering. Jane and Rick tape off the cafeteria at the Coshocton County Career Center for vendor booths for the past weekend's Habitat for Humanity Home and Lifestyle Show. / Julie Ames/Tribune

About the series

The Tribune is profiling local people who make a difference in their communities through volunteer work. These features will appear each Monday. The articles will highlight people in Coshocton County who participate in volunteer efforts that are not part of their jobs. To submit suggestions for outstanding volunteers, send an email to ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.

Jane and Rick Mautz, of Fresno, have volunteered with Coshocton County Habitat for Humanity since 2006 when Jane retired. She enjoys woodworking and habitat seemed a perfect fit and her husband, Rick, joined her in volunteering. Jane and Rick tape off the cafeteria at the Coshocton County Career Center for vendor booths for the past weekend's Habitat for Humanity Home and Lifestyle Show. / Julie Ames/Tribune

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COSHOCTON — For one local couple, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is more than just construction.

Jane and Rick Mautz, of Fresno, spent part of their Friday evening preparing for this year’s Habitat for Humanity Home and Lifestyle Show, which was conducted Saturday and Sunday at the Coshocton County Career Center.

As they measured and marked off areas for the vendors booths, Jane and Rick continued to give back to the organization they have been a part of since 2006.

“I had retired, and it seemed like something that fit in with what I like to do,” Jane said. “I’ve always enjoyed woodworking and building.”

Jane, who used to be a teacher and a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said volunteering with Habitat was a way to reach out to more people in the community.

“I’ve gotten to know so many different people in the community,” Jane said. “I’ve worked with so many good people, and it’s been wonderful.”

Her volunteer experience began as a Habitat board member and as a part of the public relations committee. During her almost eight years with the group, she helped start its annual golf outing and revive the Home and Lifestyle Show. Her latest project has been leading the Women’s Build, which will have its third annual event in May.

Rick’s experience began after seeing Jane get involved.

“I saw what she was doing and thought it would be something I would enjoy,” Rick said. “It gives me a chance to give back to the Coshocton community.”

Volunteering with his wife is a positive for Rick.

“We just enjoy working together; we work well together as a team,” Rick said. “We both feel the need to be active, so it’s nice to do this together.”

Throughout his time as a volunteer, he has many memories, but one from a rainy golf outing stood out.

“We had a severe thunderstorm come through in the middle of the outing,” Rick said. “We had this 10-by-10 tent that all the prizes were under, and the top started to fill with water. We had one person on each side of the tent trying to hold onto the tent. We were soaked and wet, but we had a good time.”

But it’s not just about leading events for the couple; it’s also about the people and the community.

“These families need a hand up. These families may be needy, but they are willing to work,” Jane said.

Seeing partner families continue to help with Habitat projects is a bright spot of volunteering for her.

“It’s gratifying to be able to help others and to be involved in something like this,” Jane said.

Rick’s favorite part of volunteering is the interaction with the partner families.

“I love seeing their faces when they move in or when they are building their home,” Rick said. “You can see the excitement on their faces of seeing their home come together.”

During her time as a volunteer, Jane has seen not only the organization grow but also the effect on the local community.

“Anytime I drive down 15th Street, I see our houses we’ve built and I know we have cleaned that part of town up,” Jane said. “We have a nice community that looks good, and it’s gratifying to see that.”

Both hope others will volunteer with Habitat and see the variety of opportunities that require not a hammer and a drill but rather working on committees for the events and selecting partner families.

“It’s a great group, and we have a lot of fun working together,” Rick said. “You get a good feeling and a sense of accomplishment.”